SWMS Scaffold Fixed

SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT

FIXED SCAFFOLD Prepared for

Client: Project No:

Site: Date Prepared:

Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM

Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed

Version: v1.3 Date: 18/06/2013

Page: 1 of 11

© 2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au

1. RESPONSIBILITIES

Y Contractors will conduct inductions for all workers (inclusive of employees and subcontractors) prior to commencing site work. A record of site inductions and toolbox meetings will

be kept at the Y Contractors office for future reference.

The Principal Contractor or Client will provide adequate amenities (toilets, wash rooms, dining facilities etc) as defined for this work type and in accordance with Safe Work Australia

Code of Practice Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.

All Y Contractors workers engaged in site work are required to wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as noted in this document. No glass containers will be

allowed on site (except in meal rooms). The consumption of illegal drugs and alcohol is prohibited.

2. DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This brief, step by step work summary is to be completed by the Person Conducting Business or Undertaking (PCBU) or Site Supervisor on site prior to work commencing to assist

in the identification of possible hazards:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

UNDERGROUND SERVICES AFFECTED BY THE WORKS: Yes No If YES, complete table below:

Underground Service Affected? (Y/N) Located? (Y/N) Marked? (Y/N)

Electricity

Gas

Water

Phone / Cable


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3. RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk Assessment Table

When assessing the risk of a particular hazard remember:

The rating you use should indicate the importance of the action required to minimise the Risk posed by the Hazard.

The more Hazards you identify the greater the overall Risk on the site.

Overall Risk increases as the number of people exposed to a Hazard increases.

The more serious the potential impact to a person’s health from a Hazard the greater the Risk.

The frequency of exposure to a Hazard will increase the Risk.

Hierarchy of Controls

Eliminate – ‘Design out’ the hazard when new materials, equipment and work systems are being purchased for the

workplace.

Substitute - Substitute less hazardous materials, equipment or substances and use smaller sized containers.

Isolate – Separate the workers from hazards using barriers, enclosing noisy equipment and providing exhaust or

ventilation systems.

Engineering – Use engineering controls to reduce the risks such as guards on equipment, hoists or other lifting and

moving equipment.

Administrative – Minimise the risk by adopting safe working practices or providing appropriate training, instruction or

information.

Personal Protective Equipment – Make sure that appropriate PPE is available and used correctly.

Consequence or Impact of Hazard Level of harm

A P U Likelihood/Probability Risk Rating

H-Potential death, permanent or long term disability or illness, significant detrimental environmental impact

H-High 1 1 2 A-Almost certain could happen at any time

1-Immediate action is required

M-Potential temporary disability or illness requiring medical attention, short term environmental impact

M-Medium 1 2 3 P-Possible risk could happen occasionally

2-Control the risks/ hazards a.s.a.p.

L-Potential minor injury requiring first aid or minimal environmental impact

L-Low 2 3 3 U-Unlikely may happen rarely

3-Control risks with routine procedures

Least Effective

Most Effective

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Eliminate

Isolate

Administrative

Substitute

Engineering


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The Work Process - “Risk Rating” and “Who is Responsible” is to be completed by the PCBU or Site Supervisor prior to work commencing. Additional Site Specific

Requirements are to be entered following this section:

Steps Step by Step

Procedure Possible Hazards

Risk Rating

Safety Controls Who is

responsible?

1 Risk Assessment Workplace / worksite hazards Unlicensed / untrained workers

Do a Risk Assessment prior to commencing work and review the Principal Contractor's Site Safety Plan and Emergency Procedures and/or your subcontractors’ Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS);

Use the Risk Assessment Worksheet and Hazard Report Form;

Manage the risks to health and safety associated with falls from one level to another that is reasonably likely to cause an injury;

Identify additional safety controls where required;

Obtain approvals from the supply authorities where required;

Make sure workers are trained, qualified or experienced to carry out the specified tasks; and

Request appropriate licences or certification when required before allowing work to commence.

2 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Injury, illness, permanent disability and in extreme cases death.

Where applicable, check condition of harnesses, ropes, shackles and fixing points for fall arrest system;

Check condition of hard hats - brim or neck flaps, gloves, safety boots, sunscreen, high visibility reflective clothing or vests, ear plugs or ear muffs and any other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate for this work;

PPE is to be used only when no other control can reduce or eliminate the hazard / risk;

Inspect all PPE prior to use making sure it is suitable for use;

Make sure all workers are issued with and wear the recommended PPE as required for safety on the worksite and specific to the activities and tasks; and

Train workers in the correct use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

3 Services / Utilities Overhead services and electricity / powerlines

Site Supervisor to check for overhead hazards;

Make sure no scaffolding is erected within 4 metres of overhead


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Steps Step by Step


Risk Rating


responsible?

power lines unless they are protected;

Never work in high winds near overhead power lines;

If power lines are in close proximity to the work area, but greater than 4 metres, cover the lines with tiger tails; and

If power lines are closer than 4 metres, power must be turned off as tiger tails are not insulators.

4 Assess work area access and weather conditions

Access and egress Public (pedestrians / others) Falls from heights Hit by falling objects Slips, trips and falls Lighting Eye injury

Make sure all access ladders, steps and ramps are safe and secure;

Make sure edge protection and handrails are in place and secure where required;

Immediately cease work in hazardous weather conditions such as: o Thunderstorms and strong winds that may cause loss of

balance; o Rain is causing a slippery work surface; o Excessive glare is being emitted from work surfaces and/or

poor lighting affects visibility;

Remove any items that may obstruct the work activity; and

Check for any items that may cause slips, trips and falls and remove or secure them as required.

5 Preparation of work area

Falls from heights Hit by falling objects

All workers on the ground must wear hard hats and maintain constant awareness of overhead work;

Erect signage below the overhead work warning of potential Hit by Falling Objects;

Where possible, barricade or tape off the area underneath overhead work and restrict access;

Provide safe means of raising, lowering and storing tools, plant, materials and debris; and

Prior to work commencing, clear work area and remove large items with assistance using correct manual handling techniques.

6 Erect scaffold Services (underground / overhead) Electricity (overhead power

Scaffolding to be erected according to manufacturer’s or supplier's instructions and must comply with AS 1576;

Scaffolding must be erected where a person could fall 4 metres and


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Steps Step by Step


Risk Rating


responsible?

lines) Falls from heights Hit by falling objects Structural collapse Access and egress Slips, trips and falls

must be erected by a person holding a certificate of competency for scaffolding;

Make sure that the relevant workers know what Safe Working Loads (SWL) the scaffold can safely take;

Make sure the ground surface is level, firm and suitable for the loaded scaffold;

Level scaffold at base before erection;

Maximum height of scaffold not to exceed 3 x minimum width;

Make sure the working deck has a minimum of 2 x AS planks width;

Make sure guard rails or appropriate fall protection is in place for all work platforms when working at heights;

Make sure all working platforms and access levels have handrails and mid-rails installed;

Make sure location of other services is confirmed and appropriate access permits obtained;

Make sure scaffold is erected at least 4 metres laterally and 5 metres vertically from any power lines and a safe distance from conductors is maintained;

If scaffold is to be erected in the vicinity of power lines, you must: o Notify the power authority before starting work; o Obtain written permission from the power authority; o Do not begin work until a pre-start site/job meeting and risk

assessment has been completed; and o Install any necessary barricading.

Make sure all workers enter and exit the scaffold using a secured internal ladder with a protected opening such as a hinged trap door;

Make sure all planks are secured to the scaffold and toe boards are correctly fitted;

Make sure a handover certificate is obtained from the scaffold installer before work commences;

Make sure advice is sought from a structural engineer if the scaffold is to be erected on top of a roof, balcony, suspended slab or any other structure that may be affected by the additional load; and


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Steps Step by Step


Risk Rating


responsible?

Keep work area clear at all times.

7 Working on scaffold Fall from heights Hit by falling objects Slips, trips and falls

Make sure another worker is always present on the ground in case of an emergency or equipment failure;

Scaffolding exceeding a deck height of 4 metres must be inspected and tagged by a competent person before use, after any alteration or repair, and at intervals not greater than 30 days;

An unlicensed person must not alter scaffolding without authority and alterations performed only by a competent person;

Make sure void areas, such as ladder access voids, are identified or protected;

Safe access to and egress from the scaffold must be provided;

Make sure scaffold is complete with no loose scaffold components within the work area;

Make sure the scaffolding maximum Safe Working Load (SWL) is not exceeded;

Secure all tools and loose objects;

Secure all materials and objects stored at heights;

Use a lanyard where appropriate to secure tools and materials;

Make sure all workers stay fully within the scaffold at all times;

Provide safe means of raising, lowering and storing tools, plant, materials and debris;

Make sure all scaffold components stay in place until the scaffold is dismantled; and

Clean mud from footwear when climbing onto scaffold.

8 Working below scaffold

Hit by falling objects Slips, trips and falls

Only authorised workers are to enter the barricaded or taped off area whilst overhead work is being carried out;

All authorised workers on the ground in the barricaded or taped off area must wear safety boots and hard hats and maintain constant awareness of overhead work;

Make sure appropriate equipment is used to raise and lower objects, including ensuring that working load limits are not exceeded;


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Steps Step by Step


Risk Rating


responsible?

Provide a secure physical barrier at the edge of the elevated area, such as toe boards or infill panels that form part of a guardrail system;

Make sure perimeter containment screening is made of mesh, timber, plywood or metal sheeting;

Make sure framework supporting the screen is able to bear the load of the screen; and

Load pallets correctly to ensure load stability, banding, shrink or stretch wrap can help with this.

9 Dismantle scaffold Fall from heights Hit by falling objects Powerlines - electrocution Structural collapse Slips, trips and falls

Scaffold to be dismantled in accordance with manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions;

Make sure ropes for lowering equipment are securely tied;

Restrict access and make sure work area is kept clear before dismantling scaffold;

Make sure area beneath and around the scaffold is kept clear at all times during deconstruction;

Make sure safe distances are maintained from conductors at all times during the dismantling process;

Make sure the lower ties are only removed when the scaffold is dismantled down to that level to avoid collapse;

On completion of work, carry all scaffolding parts and other equipment and place in the designated work vehicle or trailer for transportation using correct manual handling techniques; and

Make sure work area and platform is left clean and tidy.

10 Leaving the work area

Fall from heights Hit by falling objects Access and egress Manual handling – strains, sprains and back injuries Slips, trips and falls

Make sure the work area is left clean and tidy;

Never leave ladders or tools and equipment unattended in case of unauthorised use or an unexpected change in weather;

Always check to make sure all ladders, steps and ramps are stable before descending;

Make sure work site entry and exits are secured;

Provide safe means of lowering tools, plant, materials and debris to


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Steps Step by Step


Risk Rating


responsible?

make sure they are not carried while descending ladders, steps and ramps; and

Make sure scaffold is secure against unauthorised entry.

Site Specific Requirements - To be completed by the PCBU or Site Supervisor if site specific hazards are identified (attach additional pages if necessary):

Steps Step by Step


Risk Rating


responsible?


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4. RESOURCES, QUALIFICATIONS AND PERMITS REQUIRED

Minimum number of workers required to complete this work

2

Trade licence required to complete this work

Licence No:

Held By:

Additional qualifications, permits and/or experience required to complete this work

Certificate of Competency for Scaffolding (where a person could fall 4 metres or more)

Additional training required to complete this work

Site Specific Induction and SWMS review required for all workers

5. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Officer for this project is __________________, he/she can be contacted on

_________________.

The Site Supervisor for this project is __________________, he/she can be

contacted on _________________.

The Health and Safety Representative (HSR) for this project is

_________________, he/she can be contacted on ________________.

All Y Contractors workers:

WILL be required to have relevant trade experience.

WILL be required to attend regular site inductions, project and task specific induction training and possess the current General Construction Induction Training card.

Work Health and Safety - Responsibilities

a) _________________ will be responsible for identifying and assessing the hazards associated with the works, and documenting the hazard control measures to be taken.

b) _________________ will be responsible for compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, regulations, standards, codes, and the site-specific Sites Safety Rules.

c) _________________ will be responsible for assessing and monitoring your subcontractors' capabilities, and for making sure they meet WHS requirements.

d) _________________ will be responsible for managing the acquisition and communication of WHS information to managers, supervisors and people working on site.

e) _________________ will be responsible for preparing, maintaining and making accessible the register of hazardous substances.

f) _________________ will be responsible for maintaining first-aid stocks.

g) _________________ will be responsible for managing accident and emergency procedures.

h) _________________ will be responsible for keeping WHS records.

i) _________________ will be responsible for making sure that the Site Safety Rules are available and provided to people who may work on or visit the Site.

j) _________________ will be responsible for workplace injury management and rehabilitation.

k) _________________ will be responsible for managing communication between Health and Safety Committees (where applicable).

l) _________________ will be responsible for displaying the Site Safety Rules on noticeboards and other suitable locations on site.


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6. TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

The HSR will:

a) identify the WHS training needs of management, supervisors and workers on site;

b) make sure that appropriate training is carried out internally and/or by Safe Work Australia accredited trainers;

c) make sure that all personnel attend general construction WHS induction training before starting work;

d) make sure that all personnel attend adequate site-specific induction, work activity and refresher safety training;

e) conduct induction training, task training and refresher safety training for everyone working on site; and

f) keep appropriate records of WHS training at the Y Contractors office.

7. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

The HSR will:

a) be available (both during and outside normal working hours) to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from incidents; and

b) make sure that the procedures for contacting the relevant person(s) are communicated and clearly displayed on the sites.

8. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Plant and Equipment used on site includes but is not limited to:

Plant and/or Equipment Inspection and maintenance checks required

Fixed Scaffold Visual inspection prior to use and as per installers recommendations

9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

PPE for this task includes but is not limited to:

1 Hard hats / sun hats 6 High visibility clothing / vests

2 Safety boots 7 Safety harness / fall arrest

3 Sunglasses / safety glasses 8 Sun protection

4 Hearing Protection 9

5 Protective gloves 10

10. ACCESS

No access shall be permitted by other trades into the work area whilst work is in progress. If necessary, appropriate signage and/or hoarding will be set up around the work area to prevent access. Such signs and hoarding will be removed and area made-good on completion of work.

11. LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS, CODES AND STANDARDS

The following reference documents have been identified as relevant to this project and a copy is kept at the Y Contractors office. This list is a guide only and is not necessarily all the relevant documentation:

a) Work Health and Safety Act 2011 b) Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 c) COP Managing Risks in Construction Work d) COP First Aid e) COP How to Prevent Falls at Workplaces f) COP Hazardous Manual Tasks g) COP How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks h) COP Managing the Work Environment and Facilities i) COP Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces j) AS 1576 – Scaffolding k) AS 6001 – Working Platforms for Domestic Construction


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12. SIGNOFF

The representatives of Y Contractors listed below have been involved in the creation and implementation of this Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) and will make sure all work is carried out in accordance with this document. All workers listed below have the appropriate licence/qualifications and/or experience required to perform each job task:

Worker on site Role (e.g. worker, supervisor)

Signature Date

Signature and details of person responsible for site supervision of the work, inspecting and approving work areas, work methods, compliance with SWMS, protective measures, plant, equipment and power tools for this site:

Signed: Date:

Name: Position:

Documents

SWMS Scaffold Fixed